TN: 1997 Wendouree Shiraz Malbec

[Tim Smith]

From a lesser vintage, this wine was quite a surprise. Colour still holding some brick red hues, and no obvious browning, which seems to be a character from most SA regions from 1997. The nose has the classic regional Shiraz lifted mint/eucalypt, with background dusty/cedar oak. The palate had great forward fruit sweetness-not jammy by any means,with a savoury edge balancing the fruit sweetness. I didnt notice the label alcohol, but it wasnt a consideration-just perfectly balanced in every aspect. Shame it was my last bottle...

[orpheus]

From a lesser vintage, this wine was quite a surprise. Colour still holding some brick red hues, and no obvious browning, which seems to be a character from most SA regions from 1997. The nose has the classic regional Shiraz lifted mint/eucalypt, with background dusty/cedar oak. The palate had great forward fruit sweetness-not jammy by any means,with a savoury edge balancing the fruit sweetness. I didnt notice the label alcohol, but it wasnt a consideration-just perfectly balanced in every aspect. Shame it was my last bottle...

Thanks for the tasting note, Tim. Most vintages would be only just starting to hit their straps at that age, I find them quite unapproachable any earlier. Because it was a lesser vintage, perhaps it is an earlier drinker.